Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE have rescued a kidnapped woman and arrested two suspects during intelligence-led clearance operations across parts of Benue State.
The operations, carried out on March 24, 2026, targeted suspected criminal hideouts in Gwer West and Katsina-Ala Local Government Areas following credible intelligence on the activities of armed herders and kidnappers.
In a statement issued by the Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, troops of Sector 1 deployed from Bilawa-Jor and Naka moved swiftly to Mbapa and Mbabuande communities in Gwer West LGA after receiving reports on the presence of armed herders.
According to the statement, troops conducted a thorough search on arrival and discovered an abandoned suspected criminal hideout. The operation was extended across River Akpako, where two suspects were later arrested during further exploitation of the area.
The suspects are currently in custody and undergoing further investigation.
In a separate but related operation on the same day, troops responded to reports of kidnapping at Tse-Ubena village in Yooyo Council Ward of Katsina-Ala LGA.
Troops deployed from Tor-Donga, working in collaboration with operatives of the Benue State Civil Protection Guard, carried out a coordinated raid on a suspected hideout linked to the kidnapping.
During the operation, the troops successfully rescued a 28-year-old victim, Mrs Member Ityavber, who had been abducted by suspected kidnappers.
The statement said the victim has since been debriefed, reunited with her family, and is currently receiving care.
Operation WHIRL STROKE said efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest other members of the criminal syndicate behind the abduction.
Reacting to the development, the Force Commander of Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their swift response and professionalism.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Joint Task Force to maintaining a secure environment across the state, especially as communities prepare for the farming season.
